MPS Superintendent Barbara Thompson has agreed to a mutual separation from the Montgomery Public School system.

Thompson submitted her resignation in a special meeting of the MPS Board which was called by a majority of the board members for noon on Wednesday.

The board accepted the resignation by a 5 to 2 vote, with Eleanor Dawkins and Beverly Ross opposing.

Before the vote was taken to accept Thompson's resignation, board member Beverly Ross spoke up calling the resignation "unfair" to Thompson.

After the vote, board member Mary Briers said the resignation is "what is best for the system."

Thompson showed little emotion as people in the room spoke loudly in favor and in opposition to the decision, after which Thompson left the room.

Thompson will receive benefits of her contract, including severance pay equivalent to one year of her base salary, $155,000, and be compensated up to $10,000 for moving expenses.

Director of Professional Development Margaret Allen has been named interim superintendent. Allen has served the system since 1976. She served as a teacher at Bear Elementary, assistant principal at Forest Avenue Elementary, principal at Garrett Elementary, and as an executive director of elementary schools.

Allen said "I will work in partnership with state Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice and his staff to ensure MPS is moving in the right direction and meeting the needs of our students and the expectations of our community."